Kansas City Zoo Welcomes Lion-Tailed Macaques

Listen for the grunts, screams and yowls of the new monkeys who moved into Tiger Trail. Zoo guests will get a rare opportunity to view these endangered and unique lion-tailed macaques. Opened on June 13, these striking lion-tailed macaques are finding a new home in the recently refurbished tiger exhibit.

A troop of five lion-tailed macaques, one male and four female, came to the Kansas City Zoo from the San Diego Zoo and the St. Louis Zoo.

These cheek-pouched monkeys are one of the smallest and most endangered of the macaque species. They have a shiny black coat and an impressive silvery-grey mane that frame their face. Lion-tailed macaques name refers to the tip of their tails which somewhat resemble that of a lion’s tail.

Native to the rainforests in Southwestern India, lion-tailed macaques live in small groups and spend most of their time in the trees, they even sleep high up in the forest canopy. Their biggest threat is the deforestation – a mere 1% of their original habitat remains today.

The Kansas City Zoo is thrilled to have these rare and majestic creatures. Watch the lion-tailed macaques explore their comfy new home on Tiger Trail.

The Kansas City Zoo, a private, non-profit organization, is operated in agreement with the Kansas City, MO Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners, partially funded by the Zoological District and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.